Latinos Unidos responds to news of DACA

Since June of 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy has given security to many immigrants in the United States who would otherwise be at risk of deportation. On September 5th, 2017, President Donald Trump announced any deferred action permitted by DACA would become non-renewable in six months and that no new cases of deferred action would be considered.

Uncertain Future

The announcement that the DACA program would be ending should have surprised no one even if while on campaign Trump promised the beneficiaries of the program, so-called “dreamers,” would not be a target of his immigration policy. Instead, the news only confirmed many immigrants’ worst fears.

The Obama administration implemented DACA so that undocumented immigrants who arrived in America as children, likely not having any say in the matter, could be spared from deportation for renewable periods of two years. In addition, beneficiaries would receive a work permit. Dreamers would then be able to safely pursue careers and/or receive education in America.

UW-Parkside Responds

Chancellor of UW-Parkside Deborah Ford, issued a statement on the policy’s repeal via email on September 8th. She expressed her support of letters sent by the UW system to Congress and the President in support of DACA and reiterated the benefits of the program’s continuation to child immigrants, Wisconsin, and the entire United States.

The students of UW-Parkside also stand in defense of DACA: Yoger Aguilar Vice-President of Hispanic-American cultural club Latinos Unidos spoke to the Ranger News on how the program’s end would affect the Hispanic community. “It is a really tough situation,” he said. “[DACA] is the opportunity for [dreamers] to work, participate in society, to be an active citizen [sic].”

Yoger asserted that the President’s decision was a mistake and pushed that dreamers “[make] a lot of positive impacts in society.” “It’s sad,” he lamented; “[Trump is] closing the door for future generations.”

Hispanic Heritage Month

In related and lighter news, Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th and LU has big plans. Wednesday, September 20th marks their first general assembly in Wyllie Hall. The assembly is a presentation and discussion on a topic in Hispanic culture.

September 27th marks the second assembly. It is a collaboration between the Black Student Union and LU to further education on Afro-Latino culture. Yoger was particularly excited about this event and encouraged student involvement.

On October 5th LU will hosting a spicy salsa contest in the bridge. Also in the bridge, on October 11th there will be a tour of Latin America laid out across many tables each one showcasing unique aspects about a particular country.

From October 9th-13th a salsa music and dance group will be performing on campus. On the 18th a presentation on domestic violence will be given. Lastly, on the 20th, the closing ceremony of Hispanic Heritage Month will be held in the Den. Networking and career opportunities will be available.

LU welcomes all students to their events. More information can be found on LU’s events on flyers posted throughout the school and on their Instagram page at UW-P Latinos Unidos.